My definition of “bloom” gets pretty loose this time of year and in order to participate in Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day, I am not above breaking all the rules. Given that it’s the middle of January and we’re in New England, it’s perfectly acceptable – preferable even – to have snow instead of an abundance of flowers in the gardens. And isn’t the snowscape as pretty in its own quiet way as any full summer garden?

And of course we’re lucky to have a greenhouse full of interesting plants, some in bloom, some not. I highly recommend taking a moment to focus on any houseplants you may have, or visiting a greenhouse (ours is open) whenever your eyes start to glaze over from too much catalog reading. I find it helpful to groom and water and fuss with plants when the gajillion varieties of basil suddenly start to sound like they might all be exactly the same only different, and when I can’t decide between ‘Violet Jasper’ and ‘Chocolate Stripes’ tomatoes.

Clarity always comes to me. (The answer is: both, and…!)  Does touching plants help you make your winter decisions too?

For lists and pictures of what might actually be in bloom around the blogosphere, visit May Dreams Gardens.